SHOX v0.1

Developer of numerous homebrew games and applications like PSP XMB Beta v0.1, Chao Garden (Virtual Pet) v0.6 and 1.00 and 1.50 PSP Text Changer among others, c5cha7, is giving us a reason to be square with the test version for his new homebrew game called SHOX.

At first, I was like, okay 2 squares, now what? So I tried mashing some buttons to see what will happen. I bumped the only other square and to my surprise the display said GAME OVER. Not to be discouraged, I tried once more, this time with the knowledge that you're not suppose to get hit by anything. I took it easy at first because there's only one square that moves from side to side. I thought as long as I keep y distance I'm safe. And then, here comes another red block, and another and another. My little blue square felt a little claustrophobic, so I started moving around while dodging every block that was on the screen. Easy enough, since the block's movements were limited and predictable, I can easily cruise my way around them. But then, here comes one orange ball. The pesky little thing followed me everywhere I go. It's like a classic game of tag played in an obstacle course.

First, I liked the pace of the game. The way that it started out with only one block made you complacent thus not anticipating anything and it's a nice challenge when the game started picking up. Second, the controls cannot be any simpler. You can use the directional buttons or the joystick. I liked the trailing shadow under the blocks to indicate speed (Nice touch!). Since the game thrives on obstacles, I would suggest more pesky orange balls (whee!) or a red block that's as fast as the pesky orange balls. More obstacles spells more thrills.

I found this game worth playing, even if it's still in its test version. Oddly enough, its simplicity is the game's most engaging factor. According to c5cha7's email, the game was released in its early stage because they want to get suggestions from you guys on what needs to be improved.

Kudos to c5cha7!